der Bekannte, -n
acquaintance · acquaintances
Eine Person, die man kennt, aber mit der man nicht eng befreundet ist.
The German word "Bekannte" is a noun meaning "acquaintance" or "someone known". It comes from the verb "bekennen" (to confess or to acknowledge), but the noun itself is derived from the adjective "bekannt", meaning "known" or "familiar".
Components:
- bekannt = known, familiar
Similar words:
- Freund / Freundin (friend) – closer relationship
- Kamerad / Kameradin (comrade) – often used in specific contexts like military or school
- Kollege / Kollegin (colleague) – known in a professional context
Difference:
"Bekannte" implies a person you know but without the close personal relationship that "Freund" (friend) implies. It denotes familiarity but not necessarily friendship.
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Examples
Eine Bekannte von mir kommt heute zu Besuch.noun
An acquaintance of mine is coming to visit today.
Viele meiner Bekannten kommen heute Abend vorbei.noun
Many of my acquaintances are coming over tonight.
Hast du schon mit deinen Bekannten über das neue Angebot diskutiert?noun
Have you already discussed the new offer with your acquaintances?
Er hat die Bekannte zur Hochzeit eingeladen.noun
He invited his female acquaintance to the wedding.
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